It is difficult to argue with C. S. Lewis' famous sentiment that "pain is God's megaphone to rouse a deaf world". But what do you do when your nation is characterized by health and prosperity? How can God's message be heard above the deafening sound of materialism?

This is a central issue that challenges our efforts at evangelism and mission in this present evil age.

Interestingly, but not surprisingly, God's word offers us a way forward from this strategic and spiritual quandary. And it is found in a most unlikely part of the Bible.

In the Acts of the Apostles, Paul delivers a surprising speech to his audience at Lystra (Acts 14:15-17). Having just been revered by the locals as gods, he rebukes them for their idolatry, and then encourages them to turn the living God. These are the words he uses:

“"Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. In the past, he let all nations go their own way. Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy."” (Acts 14:15-17, NIV)

What is most surprising in this speech is not that the Apostle recognises the prosperity of the society. Rather, it is the fact that he acknowledges that the pagans before him have hearts filled with joy.

It is not uncommon to hear a preacher or evangelist declare that joy can only be found in the hearts of people who serve Jesus"”that if a person wishes to be truly happy then they will only find that happiness when they turn to Jesus.

But this verse turns that view upside-down.

Instead, the Apostle recognises that his hearers enjoy abundant prosperity. They have rain and fruitful crops, abundant food, and hearts filled with joy. In other words, they live like Sydneysiders.

Yet, instead of devaluing any pleasure or benefit that the people may have derived from their prosperity, Paul validates the enjoyment they have experienced from their wealth. And in doing so, he provides a valuable segue to the gospel.

If I was an unbeliever with a nice home, a happy family, good health, and abundant food and clothing then I might baulk at a preacher who tries to convince me of my unhappiness and emotional poverty. Even if my desire for wealth and success has not been fully satisfied, I would be quick to reject any assessment of my personal life that declared me impoverished in any way.

Yet in contrast, if an evangelist was to give value to my health, wealth and (perceived) happiness, then I would be far more receptive to his or her message than a preacher who misreads my situation.

This is the tactic that Paul appears to have adopted. He acknowledges the wealth and happiness of his hearers. Yet, he makes it very clear that the correct response to their abundance is to recognise who and where they come from. So, instead of saying "Follow God and you will become happy", he says "Follow God because you are happy".

Many of our hearers are not happy. Pain and relationship breakdowns are common in this fallen world. But for some, this "world' has delivered some pleasure from success. Perhaps we should take a leaf out of the Apostle's preaching book and recognise that many people live enjoyable lives. Yet, we must preach the whole message and declare with clarity and boldness that all blessings come from God, and that worshipping his creation will result in disaster.

Jodie McNeill works for Youthworks as the Director of the Year 13 Gospel Gap Year.